Imagine if your hobby supported a charity. Opportunities to contribute through childcare, coaching, gardening, cooking, and other leisure activities have significantly improved non-profits’ bottom lines.

But reading? Yup.

Thanks to The Ronald McDonald House® Charities, reading for contributions is the latest trend hitting schools in the Capital Region of Albany, New York. This fall, they’re kicking off their 11^th year of the program.

“We modeled our program after a Read program that was running for years out of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House,” says Nancy Demato, Read for RMHC of the Capital Region Program Director. “We then adapted it for our RMHC chapter, expanding the time frame during which schools may participate and customizing the program for each of our schools.” READ for RMHC-CR invites students to “cash in” on their reading skills to raise funds to support children needing healthcare, healing, and a home. According to Nancy, the interest and outcomes are growing exponentially.

“We generally have 3,000 or more students participate in the program each year,” she explains. “Last year, more than 3,200 students participated in the program, earning more than $328,000 in donations. Since the program began in 2014, more than 20,800 students have participated with us, earning more than $1.9 million to support children and families struggling with serious health concerns.”

This program’s goal aligns with the RMHC-CR mission: “Provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.” Through their hard work, fundraising, and volunteer efforts, they provide shelter and a safe space for the community they serve.

• The Ronald McDonald House® provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill children, keeping them together as their children receive much-needed medical treatment.
• The Ronald McDonald Family Room® extends the comfort and support of the House to families within the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med.
• The Ronald McDonald Family Retreat provides a peaceful, supportive setting where families experiencing serious childhood illness can enjoy being together and make lasting memories.

So, what exactly is READ for RMHC-CR?

It’s a partner program with local schools where students voluntarily participate in a structured reading program that basically “books” bucks for the charity. In other words, they solicit sponsors to donate based on how much they read. According to local schools, it’s a win-win.

“The Read for Ronald McDonald House Charities Program is a great way to motivate students to read and, at the same time, raise money for an amazing charity that helps families who are going through a challenging time,” says Rebecca Ekstrom, Library Media Specialist at Algonquin Middle School and Read for RMHC-CR coordinator. “Setting up and running the program is easy. If you need help, support is always just an email or phone call away.”

She’s right.

RMHC-CR has carefully crafted the program, taking the administrative management load off the schools. This frees teachers and librarians to support students with reading selections, hold them accountable, and support their ongoing success.

“Our student participants are excited to know they are helping other children who need them,” says Nancy. “Many times, our students and their families will know of family or friends who have been supported by RMHC or who have been or are struggling with a severe childhood illness or injury. Participating in Read for RMHC is a beautiful way for them to give back for support their family may have received or to provide support in honor of loved ones who face struggles similar to our RMHC families. It is amazing to see the support that our Read for RMHC students provide, which makes such a tremendous difference to the children and families who need it.”

Though this program is local, the support circle is nationwide.

“Participation in our program is limited to schools that are generally within 50 miles or one hour of our RMHC chapter,” says Nancy. “We are always thankful for financial support from businesses or individuals to help make our program possible.” They continue to seek sponsors and partners to help guide this program forward and perhaps initiate others. Regardless of how you get involved, encouraging reading and teaching students about giving back are fantastic outcomes that build confidence, shared values, and a lifetime of opportunities.

Learn more about READ, the Ronald McDonald House®, and visit their website to get involved.

Images Courtesy of RMHC Capital Region.